Valentine’s Day Mass Weddings in P’nan Towns

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

Various free kasalang bayan (mass weddings) have been simultaneously held at the four towns of Pangasinan solemnized by the couples’ respective Mayors in the Valentine’s Day this year.

Ninety-four (94), sixty-five (65), thirty-nine (39), and twenty–five (25) contracting parties have officially tied the knot in February 14 at the government buildings of the first class towns of Lingayen, Calasiao Mangaldan, and Sta. Barbara, respectively.

MASS WEDDING. The 65 couples who tied the knot at a mass weddings solemnized by Calasiao Mayor Kevin Roy Macanlalay in the 2024 Valentine’s Day.

Philippines law (The Family Code) empowered elected local chief executive to solemnize civil wedding within his jurisdiction. It is a requirement that one of the couples should be a resident where the rite will take place. The ceremony can be held either inside the Mayor’s Office or within its vicinity. The chief executive can also officiate mass wedding or we call it kasalang bayan. 

LINGAYEN
A supposedly modest wedding became pompous in Lingayen when 94 couples entered the Lingayen Civic Center at 10 a.m of that sunny Wednesday.
They walked on the red carpet amidst the aesthetics of flowers displayed at both sides of the aisle while an elegant decorated stage faces them.
The momentous event was witnessed by the sponsors, relatives and friends of the couples while a group of reporters have been busy taking photos of the event.

Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil solmnized while Senator Francis Tolentino stood as the main sponsor in the historic rites.
It has been a tradition under Bataoil’s governance to have a kasalang bayan annually.
Bataoil advised the couples to make God as the center of their love and exhorted them to have love, patience and understanding with each other to buttress their marriage

MANGALDAN
Almost 40 couples availed of the free mass nuptials solemnized by Mayor Bona Fe D. Parayno held at the third floor of the Social Hall of the Mangaldan town hall.
Parayno, Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia and his mother former Congresswoman Gina became the main sponsors of the wedlock.
Former Speaker Jose de Venecia attended the event with a sideshow when he offered a bouquet of flowers and a heart shaped balloon to spouse Gina as symbols of his love to the latter.

The mass wedding was organized by the Municipal Civil Registry Office (MCRO) head Aida Cera, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) chief Rowena de Guzman and the staff at the Office of the Mayor.

Among those who were married, 26 pairs fall under the category of Article 34 of the Family Code who lived-in (cohabitate) for more than five years where they do not have any restrictions anymore and the 13 who underwent the marriage license application.

“Ang pakakasalan ninyo ngayong araw ay mahal na mahal mo at mahal na mahal ka rin niya sa lahat ng araw, sa lahat ng panahon at sa kabila ng lahat ng mga pagsubok na darating sa buhay ninyo… sa mga groom, mayroon akong tatlong “S” na ibibilin na gagawin ninyo para sa mga asawa ninyo. Make her smile, be strong at Give her Support,” message of Mayor Parayno to the underprivileged contracting parties clad on their best dress for the occasion.

STA.BARBARA
Because of the vigorous support of the local government unit of Sta. Barbara, the mass wedding of the 25 couples to say “I Do” to each other was successfully concluded at the Orbos Gymnasium in Poblacion Norte of the town.

Mayor Carlito S. Zaplan solemnized the nuptials while witnessed by Vice Mayor Rogelio Navarro, members of the lawmaking body, Municipal Civil Registrar Office Chief Attorney Cynthia Natividad, PATMOS Rev. Alejandro L. de Vera and main guest Philippines Statistics Authority – Pangasinan Head Eng. Edgar M. Norberte.

CALASIAO
Mayor and solemnizing officer Mayor Kevin Roy Q. Macanlalay tied the knot of the 65 pairs in the kasalang bayan held at the Calasiao Sports Complex.

The chief executive was accompanied by Vice Mayor Dr. Nestor A. Gabrillo, Liga President Patrick A. Caramat, Councilors Gerald C. Aficial, Felipe K. De Vera, Manny V. Datuin, Jose A. Loresco, Myc D. Sison, Ardieson B. Soriano, and Elias S Villanueva.

“Ipinamalas ng ating mga magsingirog na Calasiaoeños ang kanilang wagas na pag-ibig at pangako sa isa’t isa,” according to the excerpt posted in the vernacular at the Facebook Page of the young mayor.